The occasion was a candidate’s forum. The election was five days away.
Some of us were expecting fireworks. It was the last best opportunity before the election to bloody opponents who sometimes seem separated by a gulf too wide to ford.
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As usual, the election in some of the Coastside races hung on a relative handful of votes. As a result, mandates are hard to find. Any Coastside candidate who figures to translate his or her victory Tuesday into political capital that can be used to bury foes is in for a bumpy ride. No, this election didn’t resolve any long-standing issues.
If Tuesday’s election proved anything, it’s that there are many, many committed Coastsiders who agree on a series of fundamental truths. We need clean water that is sustainable. We need to treat our wastewater in a way that protects the coast. We need to use recycled water where appropriate. We need to grow slowly as a community, to provide things for our children to do, to help business thrive on the coast. We need to market and develop Beachwood while preserving the environment.
Twenty-three of your neighbors stuck their necks out to run for local office this time around. They canvassed neighborhoods, participated in debates, and subjected themselves to the Review’s endorsement process and a few others to boot. Their commitment to your community is more than admirable. Their good ideas are invaluable. Their continued participation is necessary if we are to move forward, together.
We at the Review want to say a very heartfelt thank you to all the candidates for local office. It’s easy to stand on the sidelines and complain. It’s something else entirely to contribute your talents to the betterment of your community. Here’s to Tuesday’s winners — and losers. The Coastside is a better place for their involvement.
— Clay Lambert
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